Issue - meetings

Report ES13021

Changes were recommended at the entrance to the Nugent Centre and nearby locations to reduce congestion and improve safety.

Traffic had increased since completion of the Nugent Centre and queuing, particularly from vehicles turning right on to Cray Avenue (A224), had delayed traffic. A staggered Pelican crossing south of the exit added to congestion with frequent crossings by shoppers across Cray Avenue. It was recommended that the crossing be removed and traffic signals added with pedestrian facilities at the Nugent Centre entrance. This would enable the “walk with traffic” design to be used, minimising delay as some traffic would be able to proceed while pedestrians were crossing.

Such a signal controlled junction would help control vehicles exiting and entering the retail park. Accidents would be reduced as each movement would have its own movement stage, avoiding give way operation. Additionally, shoppers would be more likely to park in the Nugent Centre car park as there would be a dedicated exit stage.

It was also recommended that the section of bus lane, currently suspended, be permanently removed. Although there might be a slight delay to buses, it was expected that their delays overall (in both directions) should be reduced by the improvements proposed.

At detailed design stage it was reported that there might be some changes, including a possible relocation of the bus stop on the southbound approach to the entrance, and the possible addition of a left turn filter lane into the Nugent Centre bypassing the new traffic signals.

As a next stage, it was also proposed to consider linking the Nugent Centre junction with the Leesons Hill traffic signals and use Urban Traffic Control (UTC) along much of the A224. By UTC, Transport for London could take direct control of any traffic signal, including crossings, when long traffic queues were detected. CCTV was usually required for visibility.

An options report was also proposed for considering improvements to the A224/Leesons Hill/Station Road junction and the A224/Station Approach junction.

Installing a no right turn ban at the A224/Leesons Hill junction during the Chislehurst Road bridge closure improved A224 traffic flow and reduced the number of injury accidents at the junction. It was recommended that the ban remain in place for congestion and safety reasons.  

Councillor Grainger asked why a signal controlled junction was preferred to a roundabout, which he felt would keep traffic moving. It was explained that a roundabout had been considered by officers but was not recommended. It would mean the existing pelican crossing would have to remain. The proposed new arrangements included a pedestrian phase in the traffic signals which was considered the best option by officers. Modelling figures for a roundabout would be provided to Councillor Grainger for information. Before arriving at a recommendation, Councillor Grainger indicated that he would have preferred to have seen more evidence on the roundabout option including associated traffic flow figures.

Councillor Grainger also suggested part time signals but it was thought that these might not have been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59